Multi Wave Sterilization System

ABSTRACT

Ultraviolet radiation is directed within an area. The target wavelength ranges and/or target intensity ranges of the ultraviolet radiation sources can correspond to at least one of a plurality of selectable operating configurations including a virus destruction operating configuration and a bacteria disinfection operating configuration. Each configuration can include a unique combination of the target wavelength range and target intensity range.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The current application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/012,652, filed on 28 Aug. 2013, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/694,235, filed on 28 Aug. 2012, both ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to ultraviolet radiation, and moreparticularly, to a solution for using ultraviolet radiation fordestroying, suppressing, and/or the like, microorganisms, such asviruses, bacteria, and/or the like, located in a storage area of astorage device.

BACKGROUND ART

Reliable, hygienic storage of sanitary and biological items, such asfood, is a major problem. For example, the problem is present throughoutthe food industry, e.g., manufacturers, retailers, restaurants, and inevery household, and is especially significant for food serviceestablishments, in which related issues of food quality control also aresignificant. In addition to food storage and quality control in fixedlocations (e.g., a refrigerator) where access to electricity is readilyavailable, proper food storage and quality control also is important insituations for which access to unlimited electricity and/or a stationarystorage device, such as a refrigerator, is not available, such aspicnics, camping, mobile food kiosks, hospitality or battlefield meallocations, search and rescue, etc. In addition to food, other storeditems also require hygienic storage. For example, medical and chemicalequipment, construction wood, etc., also require storage in abiologically safe environment. Since ambient temperature significantlyaffects bacterial activity, effective control of the ambient temperatureis an important tool in ensuring reliable, hygienic storage of variousitems.

Fresh food products can be processed using ultraviolet light as agermicidal medium to reduce the food-born microbial load. Water has beentreated with ultraviolet light to provide safe drinking water for quitesome time. Fruit and vegetable products capable of being pumped througha system generally are very suitable for processing by ultraviolet lightto reduce the microbial load. Today, most of these products arepasteurized to obtain microbiologically safe and nutritious products.However, pasteurization can change the taste and flavor of such productsbecause of the temperature and processing time. Juices from differentsources can be treated by exposure to ultraviolet light at differentdoses. On the other hand, variables such as exposure time, type of fruitproduct, juice color and juice composition, among other variables, needto be studied to obtain fruit products with reduced microbial load,increased shelf life and adequate sensory and nutritionalcharacteristics. Reduction of microbial load through ultraviolet lightapplication as a disinfection medium for food products other thanliquids also is being studied. Moreover, ultraviolet technology could bea source for pasteurization of liquids, or disinfection of solid foodsas an alternative technology, instead of thermal treatment orapplication of antimicrobial compounds.

In general, ultraviolet (UV) light is classified into three wavelengthranges: UV-C, from about 200 nanometers (nm) to about 280 nm; UV-B, fromabout 280 nm to about 315 nm; and UV-A, from about 315 nm to about 400nm. Generally, ultraviolet light, and in particular, UV-C light is“germicidal,” i.e., it deactivates the DNA of bacteria, viruses andother pathogens and thus destroys their ability to multiply and causedisease. This effectively results in sterilization of themicroorganisms. Specifically, UV-C light causes damage to the nucleicacid of microorganisms by forming covalent bonds between certainadjacent bases in the DNA. The formation of these bonds prevents the DNAfrom being “unzipped” for replication, and the organism is neither ableto produce molecules essential for life process, nor is it able toreproduce. In fact, when an organism is unable to produce theseessential molecules or is unable to replicate, it dies. UV light with awavelength of approximately between about 250 to about 280 nm providesthe highest germicidal effectiveness. While susceptibility to UV lightvaries, exposure to UV energy for about 20 to about 34milliwatt-seconds/cm² is adequate to deactivate approximately 99 percentof the pathogens.

A microbicidal ultraviolet (UV) radiation fluence (e.g., dosage) istypically measured using the DNA absorbance spectrum as a weightingfactor for the relevant wavelength effectiveness. However, thisDNA-based weighting does not necessarily match the spectral sensitivityof the microorganism being treated. For example, Bacillus subtilisspores are often used for UV reactor validation in Europe. Conversely,MS2 coliphage is typically used for validation testing in the UnitedStates. When both these organisms were exposed to quasimonochromatic UVradiation across the microbicidal spectrum from approximately 214 nm toapproximately 293 nm, MS2 was three times more sensitive to wavelengthsnear approximately 214 nm, whereas Bacillus subtilis spores were moresensitive to wavelengths at approximately 256 nm.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventors provide a solution for using ultraviolet radiation fordestroying, suppressing, and/or the like, microorganisms, such asviruses, bacteria, and/or the like, located in a storage area of astorage device, such as a storage area of a refrigerated unit. Forexample, an embodiment of the solution is configured to apply a targetintensity and wavelength of ultraviolet radiation to preserve and/ordisinfect the storage area by destroying and/or suppressing thereproductive function of viruses and/or bacteria, which may be locatedwithin the storage area. Similarly, this solution may be implemented aspart of other storage environments, such as pantries, grocery bags,boxes, biological object storage containers, and/or the like.

Aspects of the invention provide a solution in which ultravioletradiation is directed within an area. The target wavelength ranges andtarget intensity ranges of the ultraviolet radiation sources cancorrespond to at least one of a plurality of selectable operatingconfigurations including a virus destruction operating configuration anda bacteria disinfection operating configuration. Each operatingconfiguration can have a unique combination of a target ultravioletwavelength and a target ultraviolet intensity.

A first aspect of the invention provides a system comprising: at leastone ultraviolet radiation source configured to generate ultravioletradiation directed within an area; and a monitoring and control systemfor managing the storage area by performing a method comprising:monitoring a set of current conditions of at least one of: the storagearea or a set of items located in the storage area; and controllingultraviolet radiation generated by the at least one ultravioletradiation source using at least one of a plurality of selectableoperating configurations and the set of current conditions, theselectable operating configurations including: a virus destructionoperating configuration, and a bacteria disinfection operatingconfiguration.

A second aspect of the invention provides a food storage devicecomprising: a storage area configured to store at least one perishablefood item; at least one ultraviolet radiation source configured togenerate ultraviolet radiation directed within the storage area; and amonitoring and control system for managing the storage area byperforming a method comprising: monitoring a set of current conditionsof at least one of: the storage area or a set of items located in thestorage area; and controlling ultraviolet radiation generated by the atleast one ultraviolet radiation source using at least one of a pluralityof selectable operating configurations and the set of currentconditions, the selectable operating configurations including: a virusdestruction operating configuration, and a bacteria disinfectionoperating configuration.

A third aspect of the invention provides a refrigeration devicecomprising: a storage area configured to store at least one refrigerateditem; a component configured to control at least one environmentalcondition of the storage area, wherein the at least one environmentalcondition includes at least one of: a temperature, a humidity, a gasconvection, or a fluid convection; at least one ultraviolet radiationsource configured to generate ultraviolet radiation directed within thestorage area; and a monitoring and control system for managing thestorage area by performing a method comprising: monitoring a set ofcurrent conditions of at least one of: the storage area or a set ofitems located in the storage area; and controlling ultraviolet radiationgenerated by the at least one ultraviolet radiation source using atleast one of a plurality of selectable operating configurations and theset of current conditions, the selectable operating configurationsincluding: a virus destruction operating configuration, and a bacteriadisinfection operating configuration.

The illustrative aspects of the invention are designed to solve one ormore of the problems herein described and/or one or more other problemsnot discussed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of the disclosure will be more readilyunderstood from the following detailed description of the variousaspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings that depict various aspects of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows an illustrative ultraviolet radiation system according toan embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram illustrating use of operatingconfigurations for operating an ultraviolet radiation source accordingto an embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows an illustrative system including an ultraviolet radiationsystem according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 4A-4C show illustrative storage devices for use with anultraviolet radiation system according to embodiments.

FIGS. 5A-5F show illustrative storage devices for use with anultraviolet radiation system according to embodiments.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show illustrative storage devices for use with anultraviolet radiation system according to embodiments.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an illustrative storage deviceaccording to an embodiment.

It is noted that the drawings may not be to scale. The drawings areintended to depict only typical aspects of the invention, and thereforeshould not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention. In thedrawings, like numbering represents like elements between the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As indicated above, aspects of the invention provide a solution in whichultraviolet radiation is directed within an area. The target wavelengthranges and target intensity ranges of the ultraviolet radiation sourcescorrespond to at least one of a plurality of selectable operatingconfigurations including a virus destruction operating configuration,and a bacteria disinfection operating configuration. As used herein,unless otherwise noted, the term “set” means one or more (i.e., at leastone) and the phrase “any solution” means any now known or laterdeveloped solution. Furthermore, as used herein, ultravioletradiation/light means electromagnetic radiation having a wavelengthranging from approximately 10 nanometers (nm) to approximately 400 nm,while ultraviolet-C (UV-C) means electromagnetic radiation having awavelength ranging from approximately 100 nm to approximately 280 nm,ultraviolet-B (UV-B) means electromagnetic radiation having a wavelengthranging from approximately 280 to approximately 315 nanometers, andultraviolet-A (UV-A) means electromagnetic radiation having a wavelengthranging from approximately 315 to approximately 400 nanometers. As alsoused herein, a material/structure is considered to be “reflective” toultraviolet light of a particular wavelength when the material/structurehas an ultraviolet reflection coefficient of at least thirty percent forthe ultraviolet light of the particular wavelength. In a more particularembodiment, a highly ultraviolet reflective material/structure has anultraviolet reflection coefficient of at least eighty percent.Furthermore, a material/structure is considered to be “transparent” toultraviolet light of a particular wavelength when the material/structureallows a significant amount of the ultraviolet radiation to pass therethrough. In an embodiment, the ultraviolet transparent structure isformed of a material and has a thickness, which allows at least tenpercent of the ultraviolet radiation to pass there through.

Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows an illustrative ultravioletradiation system 10 according to an embodiment. In this case, the system10 includes a monitoring and/or control system 11, which is implementedas a computer system 20 including an analysis program 30, which makesthe computer system 20 operable to manage an ultraviolet (UV) radiationsource 12 by performing a process described herein. In particular, theanalysis program 30 can enable the computer system 20 to operate the UVradiation source 12 to generate and direct ultraviolet radiation withinan area and process data corresponding to one or more conditions of thearea and/or an item located in the area, which is acquired by a feedbackcomponent 14. While a single UV radiation source 12 is shown, it isunderstood that the area can include any number of UV radiation sources12, the operation of which the computer system 20 can separately manageusing a process described herein.

In an embodiment, during an initial period of operation (e.g., afterrecent access to the area, addition/removal/reconfiguration of item(s)placed within the area, and/or the like), the computer system 20 canacquire data from the feedback component 14 regarding one or moreattributes of the items in the area and/or conditions of the area andgenerate analysis data 42 for further processing. The analysis data 42can include information on the color, appearance, and/or the like, ofitems in the area, the presence of microorganisms on the items or withinthe area, and/or the like. Furthermore, the analysis data 42 can includeinformation on the presence of ethylene gas within the area. Thecomputer system 20 can use the analysis data 42 to generate calibrationdata 40 for controlling one or more aspects of the ultraviolet radiationgenerated by the ultraviolet radiation source(s) 12 using one of aplurality of selectable operating configurations as discussed herein.Furthermore, one or more aspects of the operation of the ultravioletradiation source 12 can be controlled by a user 6 via an externalinterface component 26B.

The computer system 20 is shown including a processing component 22(e.g., one or more processors), a storage component 24 (e.g., a storagehierarchy), an input/output (I/O) component 26A (e.g., one or more I/Ointerfaces and/or devices), and a communications pathway 28. In general,the processing component 22 executes program code, such as the analysisprogram 30, which is at least partially fixed in the storage component24. While executing program code, the processing component 22 canprocess data, which can result in reading and/or writing transformeddata from/to the storage component 24 and/or the I/O component 26A forfurther processing. The pathway 28 provides a communications linkbetween each of the components in the computer system 20. The I/Ocomponent 26A and/or the external interface component 26B can compriseone or more human I/O devices, which enable a human user 6 to interactwith the computer system 20 and/or one or more communications devices toenable a system user 6 to communicate with the computer system 20 usingany type of communications link. To this extent, during execution by thecomputer system 20, the analysis program 30 can manage a set ofinterfaces (e.g., graphical user interface(s), application programinterface, and/or the like) that enable human and/or system users 6 tointeract with the analysis program 30. Furthermore, the analysis program30 can manage (e.g., store, retrieve, create, manipulate, organize,present, etc.) the data, such as calibration data 40 and analysis data42, using any solution.

In any event, the computer system 20 can comprise one or more generalpurpose computing articles of manufacture (e.g., computing devices)capable of executing program code, such as the analysis program 30,installed thereon. As used herein, it is understood that “program code”means any collection of instructions, in any language, code or notation,that cause a computing device having an information processingcapability to perform a particular function either directly or after anycombination of the following: (a) conversion to another language, codeor notation; (b) reproduction in a different material form; and/or (c)decompression. To this extent, the analysis program 30 can be embodiedas any combination of system software and/or application software.

Furthermore, the analysis program 30 can be implemented using a set ofmodules 32. In this case, a module 32 can enable the computer system 20to perform a set of tasks used by the analysis program 30, and can beseparately developed and/or implemented apart from other portions of theanalysis program 30. When the computer system 20 comprises multiplecomputing devices, each computing device can have only a portion of theanalysis program 30 fixed thereon (e.g., one or more modules 32).However, it is understood that the computer system 20 and the analysisprogram 30 are only representative of various possible equivalentmonitoring and/or control systems 11 that may perform a processdescribed herein. To this extent, in other embodiments, thefunctionality provided by the computer system 20 and the analysisprogram 30 can be at least partially implemented by one or morecomputing devices that include any combination of general and/orspecific purpose hardware with or without program code. In eachembodiment, the hardware and program code, if included, can be createdusing standard engineering and programming techniques, respectively. Inanother embodiment, the monitoring and/or control system 11 can beimplemented without any computing device, e.g., using a closed loopcircuit implementing a feedback control loop in which the outputs of oneor more sensing devices are used as inputs to control the operation ofone or more other devices (e.g., LEDs). Illustrative aspects of theinvention are further described in conjunction with the computer system20. However, it is understood that the functionality described inconjunction therewith can be implemented by any type of monitoringand/or control system 11.

Regardless, when the computer system 20 includes multiple computingdevices, the computing devices can communicate over any type ofcommunications link. Furthermore, while performing a process describedherein, the computer system 20 can communicate with one or more othercomputer systems, such as the user 6, using any type of communicationslink. In either case, the communications link can comprise anycombination of various types of wired and/or wireless links; compriseany combination of one or more types of networks; and/or utilize anycombination of various types of transmission techniques and protocols.This communications link, which can include a wireless or cable basedtransmission, can be utilized to transmit information about the state ofone or more items and/or zones within the storage area 54.

The system 10 can be implemented within an existing storage device(e.g., a refrigerator) using any solution. For example, one or moreultraviolet radiation sources 12 and one or more devices included in afeedback component 14 can be fixed within various locations in thestorage device (e.g., on walls, shelves, etc.) and configured foroperation by the computer system 20. The locations of devices in theultraviolet radiation source(s) 12 and/or the feedback component 14 canbe selected to provide comprehensive coverage of the storage area of thestorage device and the items located within the storage area. In anembodiment, the computer system 20 can be located outside of the storagearea of the storage device.

The ultraviolet radiation source 12 can comprise any combination of oneor more ultraviolet radiation emitters. For example, the UV source 12can include a high intensity ultraviolet lamp (e.g., a high intensitymercury lamp), an ultraviolet light emitting diode (LED), and/or thelike. In an embodiment, the UV source 12 includes a set of lightemitting diodes manufactured with one or more layers of materialsselected from the group-III nitride material system (e.g.,Al_(x)In_(y)Ga_(1-X-Y)N, where 0≦x, y≦1, and x+y≦1 and/or alloysthereof). Additionally, the UV source 12 can comprise one or moreadditional components (e.g., a wave guiding structure, a component forrelocating and/or redirecting ultraviolet radiation emitter(s), etc.) todirect and/or deliver the emitted radiation to a particularlocation/area, in a particular direction, in a particular pattern,and/or the like, within the storage area. Illustrative wave guidingstructures include, but are not limited to, a plurality of ultravioletfibers, each of which terminates at an opening, a diffuser, and/or thelike. The computer system 12 can independently control each UV source12.

The system 10 also can include an alarm component 23, which can beoperated by the computer system 20 to indicate when ultravioletradiation is being directed within the storage area. The alarm component23 can include one or more devices for generating a visual signal, anauditory signal, and/or the like. For example, in the example shown inFIG. 4A, where the storage device 52 includes a refrigeration device, apanel 8 can display a flashing light, text, an image, and/or the like,to indicate that ultraviolet radiation is currently being directed intoa corresponding storage area 54. Furthermore, the alarm component 23 cangenerate a noise, such as a bell, a beep, and/or the like, to indicatethat ultraviolet radiation is currently being directed to the storagearea 54.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram illustrating use of operatingconfigurations for operating an ultraviolet radiation source 12according to an embodiment. As illustrated, the computer system 20 canuse data corresponding to a selected operating configuration 50A-50C toadjust one or more aspects of the ultraviolet radiation 13 generated bythe ultraviolet radiation source(s) 12. In an embodiment, the operatingconfigurations 50A-50C include a virus destruction operatingconfiguration 50A, a bacteria disinfection operating configuration 50B,and a condition monitoring operating configuration 50C. In anembodiment, the virus destruction operating configuration 50A isconfigured to destroy and/or suppress the reproductive function ofviruses, while the bacteria disinfection operating configuration 50B isconfigured to destroy and/or suppress the reproductive function ofbacteria and/or larger microorganisms, as discussed herein. While shownas two distinct operating configurations, it is understood that thecomputer system 20 can operate the ultraviolet radiation source 12 inboth operating configurations 50A-50B in order to concurrently harm bothviruses as well as bacteria and other microorganisms. Additionally, thecomputer system 20 can operate the ultraviolet radiation source 12 in acondition monitoring operating configuration 50C, during which arelatively low level of ultraviolet radiation can be generated in orderto detect bacteria and/or the like, which may fluoresce in theultraviolet light.

The computer system 20 is configured to control and adjust a direction,an intensity, a pattern, and/or a spectral power (e.g., wavelength) ofthe UV sources 12 to correspond to a particular operating configuration50A-50C. The computer system 20 can control and adjust each property ofthe UV source 12 independently. For example, the computer system 20 canadjust the intensity, the time duration, and/or the time scheduling(e.g., the pattern) of the UV source 12 for a given wavelength. Eachoperating configuration 50A-50C can designate a unique combination of: atarget ultraviolet wavelength, a target intensity level, a targetpattern for the ultraviolet radiation (e.g., time scheduling, includingduration (e.g., exposure/illumination time), duty cycle, time betweenexposures/illuminations, and/or the like), a target spectral power,and/or the like, in order to meet a unique set of goals corresponding toeach operating configuration 50A-50C.

For the virus destruction operating configuration 50A, a targetwavelength range can be approximately 190 nanometers to approximately265 nanometers. In more particular embodiment, the wavelength range maybe 240 nanometers to 265 nanometers. High intensity radiation can beutilized to sterilize and/or destroy viruses. For example, the intensityfor the virus destruction operating configuration 50A can be greaterthan or equal to approximately 20 mJ/cm² to obtain a 4 log reduction formany types of viruses. For the bacteria disinfection operatingconfiguration 50B, a target wavelength range can be approximately 260nanometers to approximately 300 nanometers. In one more particularembodiment, the wavelength range may be 270 nanometers to 300nanometers. A lower intensity radiation (as compared to the intensityused to kill viruses) can be used to sterilize and/or destroy bacteriaand other larger microorganisms. For example, the intensity for thebacteria disinfection operating configuration 40B can be in a rangebetween approximately 5 and approximately 15 mJ/cm² to obtain a 4 logreduction for many types of bacteria. The ultraviolet radiation for thesterilization and/or destruction of viruses in the virus destructionoperating configuration 50A can be continuous. Conversely, theultraviolet radiation for the sterilization and destruction of bacteriaand/or larger microorganisms in the bacteria disinfection operatingconfiguration 50B can include intermittent pulses. The pulses can beconfigured to provide a target amount of intensity over a target amountof time to sterilize and/or destroy bacteria and/or lager microorganismsthat are present.

FIG. 3 shows an illustrative system including an ultraviolet radiationsystem 10 according to an embodiment. The computer system 20 isconfigured to control the UV source 12 to direct ultraviolet radiation13 into a storage area 54 of a storage device 52, within which a set ofitems 56 are located over a period of time. The feedback component 14 isconfigured to acquire data used to monitor a set of current conditionsof the storage area 54 and/or the items 56 over a period of time. Asillustrated, the feedback component 14 can include a plurality ofsensing devices 16, each of which can acquire data used by the computersystem 20 to monitor the set of current conditions.

It is understood that the set of current conditions in the storage area54 can include one or more attributes corresponding to a set ofbiological activity dynamics present within the storage area. The set ofbiological activity dynamics can include, for example, a presence ofbiological activity (e.g., exponential bacterial growth), a location ofthe biological activity, a type of biological activity (e.g., type oforganism), a concentration of the biological activity, an estimatedamount of time an organism has been in a growth phase (e.g., exponentialgrowth and/or stationary), and/or the like. The set of biologicalactivity dynamics can include information on the variation of thebiological activity over time, such as a growth rate, a rate with whichan area including the biological activity is spreading, and/or the like.In an embodiment, the set of biological activity dynamics are related tovarious attributes of bacteria and/or virus activity within an area,including, for example, the presence of detectable bacteria and/or virusactivity, measured bacteria and/or virus population/concentration timedynamics, growth phase, and/or the like.

In an embodiment, the sensing devices 16 include at least one of avisual camera or a chemical sensor. The visual camera can acquire data(e.g., visual, electronic, and/or the like) used to monitor the storagearea 54 and/or one or more of the items 56 located therein, while thechemical sensor can acquire data (e.g., chemical, electronic, and/or thelike) used to monitor the storage area 54 and/or one or more of theitems 56 located therein. The set of current conditions of the storagearea 54 and/or items 56 can include the color or visual appearance ofthe items 56, the presence of microorganisms within the storage area 54,and/or the like. In an embodiment, the visual camera comprises afluorescent optical camera. In this case, when the computer system 20 isoperating the UV radiation source 12, a visual camera and/or a chemicalsensor monitoring the storage area 54 may be operated to detect thepresence of microorganisms as they fluoresce in the ultraviolet light.In an embodiment, the chemical sensor is an infrared sensor, which iscapable of detecting any combination of one or more gases, such asethylene, ethylene oxide, and/or the like. However, it is understoodthat a visual camera and a chemical sensor are only illustrative ofvarious types of sensors that can be implemented. For example, thesensing devices 16 can include one or more mechanical sensors (includingpiezoelectric sensors, various membranes, cantilevers, amicro-electromechanical sensor or MEMS, a nanomechanical sensor, and/orthe like), which can be configured to acquire any of various types ofdata regarding the storage area 54 and/or items 56 located therein. Inanother embodiment, the sensing devices 16 can include a UV detectorthat is configured to detect ultraviolet radiation within the storagearea 54. The absorption of ultraviolet radiation within storage area 54can indicate the presence of bacteria 56 and/or virus 58. The UVdetector can be a solid state ultraviolet radiation detectormanufactured with one or more layers of materials selected from thegroup-III nitride material system (e.g., Al_(X)In_(Y)Ga_(1-X-Y)N, where0≦X, Y≦1, and X+Y≦1 and/or alloys thereof). For example, the UV detectorcan comprise any type of ultraviolet sensing device, such as anultraviolet-sensitive photodetector (e.g., an ultraviolet photodiode).In an embodiment, the UV detector can be selected based on itssensitivity to a particular, narrow band of ultraviolet light, which canbe selected using any solution. Additionally, the UV detector cancomprise one or more additional components (e.g., a wave guidingstructure, filter, system for moving and/or redirecting ultravioletdetector(s), etc.) to detect ultraviolet radiation in a particularlocation/direction, and make the UV detector sensitive to a particularrange of wavelengths, and/or the like.

The feedback component 14 also can include one or more additionaldevices. For example, the feedback component 14 is shown including alogic unit 17. In an embodiment, the logic unit 17 receives data from aset of sensing devices 16 and provides data corresponding to the set ofconditions of the storage area 54 and/or items 56 located in the storagearea 54 for processing by the computer system 20. In a more particularembodiment, the computer system 20 can provide information correspondingto the currently selected operating configuration 50 for use by thefeedback component 14. For example, the logic unit 17 can adjust theoperation of one or more of the sensing devices 16, operate a uniquesubset of the sensing devices 16, and/or the like, according to thecurrently selected operating configuration 50. In response to datareceived from the feedback component 14, the computer system 20 canautomatically adjust and control one or more aspects of the ultravioletradiation 13 generated by the ultraviolet radiation source 12 accordingto the currently selected operating configuration 50.

In each of the operating configurations 50A, 50B, the target wavelengthsand target intensities are designated to destroy and/or damage DNA andRNA molecules of the corresponding microorganism, e.g., virus orbacteria. A DNA molecule and/or RNA molecule of the correspondingmicroorganisms can absorb a sufficient amount of ultraviolet radiation,at a target wavelength and intensity, which destroys the DNA and/or RNAmolecule. This can prevent the reproduction process of the correspondingmicroorganism. In response to an indication of the presence ofbiological activity (e.g., the presence of bacteria and/or virus), thecomputer system 20 can operate UV sources 12 to generate a suppressingdose of ultraviolet radiation of a sufficient amount and at a targetwavelength and intensity corresponding to an appropriate operatingconfiguration. 50A, 50B to harm DNA and/or RNA of the detectedmicroorganism. In this manner, UV source 12 also can be used to suppressan amount of organism activity.

As described herein, embodiments can be implemented as part of any ofvarious types of storage systems. FIGS. 4A-4C, 5A-5F, and 6A-6B showillustrative storage devices for use with an ultraviolet radiationsystem 10 (FIG. 1) according to embodiments. For example, the storagedevice can be a refrigerator and/or freezer (FIG. 4A) for storing aplurality of food items. In this embodiment, the computer system 20 canbe configured to turn off UV source 12 when a door is open, andautomatically turn on UV source 12 when the door is closed.Alternatively, the storage device can be a cooler (FIG. 4B). The storagedevice can be a pantry (FIG. 4C, e.g., a shelf in the pantry), and/orthe like. The storage device can be a food storage container (FIG. 5A),a backpack (FIG. 5B), a grocery bag (FIG. 5C), a plastic baggie (FIG.5D). In an alternative embodiment, system 10 may be utilized with anelectronic toothbrush (FIG. 5E) or with a mobile touch screen phone(FIG. 5F). The storage device can also be a dishwasher (FIG. 6A), or asushi bar (FIG. 6B). In each case, an embodiment of the system 10 can beimplemented in conjunction therewith using any solution. To this extent,it is understood that embodiments of the system 10 can varysignificantly in the number of devices, the size of the devices, thepower requirements for the system, and/or the like. Regardless, it isunderstood that these are only exemplary storage devices and that thesystem 10 may be applicable to other storage devices not specificallymentioned herein.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an illustrative storage device 152according to an embodiment. In this embodiment, the storage device 152can include a plurality of sub-compartments that areindividually/separately monitored by the computer system 20 (FIG. 1)using the feedback component 14 (FIG. 1). The ultraviolet radiationsources 12 in each sub-compartment can be individually controlled by thecomputer system 20. For example, a shelf 72 can be partitioned into afirst sub-compartment 76 and a second sub-compartment 78, which areseparated by a divider 80. Each of the plurality of sub-compartments 76,78 can include the same type of UV sources 12. Alternatively, as shownin FIG. 7, the first sub-compartment 76 can include a first type of UVsource 12A, and the second sub-compartment 78 can include a second typeof UV source 12B. In a more specific embodiment, a first UV source 12Acan be configured to kill microorganisms, while a second UV source 12Bcan be configured to suppress the reproduction of microorganisms. Thecomputer system 20 can control the UV sources 12A, 12B, such that thefirst sub-compartment 76 is subjected to a first operating configurationand the second sub-compartment 78 is subjected to a second operatingconfiguration. The particular operating configuration for eachsub-compartment can differ. Furthermore, the computer system 20 cancontrol the UV source 12A to have a first intensity and a firstwavelength, and control the UV source 12B to have a second intensity anda second wavelength. For example, the UV source 12A can include a fullintensity, while the UV source 12B includes a zero intensity.Conversely, the UV source 12A can include a zero intensity, while the UVsource 12B includes a full intensity. Furthermore, the computer system20 can independently tune the relative intensities of each UV source12A, 12B, and either UV source 12A, 12B can have any intensity betweenzero and full.

Returning to FIG. 3, it is understood that the system 10 may include apower component 19 that is implemented separately from the storagedevice 52 to supply power to one or more of the various components ofsystem 10, such as ultraviolet radiation sources 12, motor 80 (FIG. 10),feedback component 14, computer system 20, and/or the like. For example,the storage device 52 may comprise a cooler or the like, which does notinclude or otherwise require any power source. Furthermore, the storagedevice 52 may comprise a power source that is insufficient to operatethe various devices of system 10 in addition to maintaining one or moreaspects of the environment within the storage area 54 for a desiredperiod of time. Regardless, the power component 19 can be utilized tooperate system 10. The power component 19 can comprise any source ofpower including, but not limited to, the power grid, a battery set, anautomotive charger, a solar cell, and/or the like. In an embodiment, thecomputer system 20 can implement multiple modes of operation dependingon the source of power. In particular, when a power component 19 oflimited capacity is being utilized, one or more functions of system 10can be disabled and/or reduced to lengthen an operating time for system10. For example, use of ultraviolet radiation source 12 to prolong thelife of items within the storage area 54 or disinfect the storage area54 by generating a higher intensity of ultraviolet radiation can bedisabled.

An environment within the storage area 54 can be controlled by anenvironmental control component 18. In an illustrative implementation,the environmental control component 18 can comprise a temperaturecontrol module, a humidity control module, and/or a convection controlmodule. During normal operation of the environmental control component18, a user 6 (FIG. 1) (e.g., using external interface component 26B) canselect a desired temperature, humidity, and/or the like, to maintainwithin storage area 54. The environmental control component 18 cansubsequently operate one or more cooling/heating components oftemperature control module to maintain the desired temperature, operateone or more humidifying/dehumidifying components of humidity controlmodule to maintain the desired humidity, operate one or more air orfluid convection components (e.g., fan, pump, vent, valve, etc.) ofconvection control module to assist in maintaining a relatively eventemperature/humidity within storage area 54, and/or the like.Alternatively, local temperature control within storage area 54 can bemaintained by cool air recirculation that is controlled by theenvironmental control component 18.

The computer system 20 can be configured to adjust one or more operatingparameters of the environmental control component 18 based on a set ofcurrent conditions in the storage area 54 and/or an operatingconfiguration of the UV radiation source 12. For example, the computersystem 20 can adjust one or more of: a temperature, a humidity, a gasconvection, and/or a fluid convection of the storage area 54 in responseto a set of biological activity dynamics and according to a currentlyselected operating configuration. To this extent, each operatingconfiguration can further define a set of target environmentalconditions for use during the UV illumination. Such environmentalconditions can include a target temperature, a target humidity,additional illumination by non-ultraviolet sources (e.g., visible,infrared), air circulation, and/or the like. Furthermore, one or more ofthe environmental conditions can change over time during implementationof the operating configuration. In an illustrative embodiment, thecomputer system 20 can operate the environmental control component 18 tocirculate air into a chamber 60. The chamber 60 may be a source ofethylene or other gas and the computer system 20 can control chamber 60to calibrate exposure of stored articles to such gas. The storage area52 can also include catalysts for enhancing the suppression of thebiological activity, such as, titanium dioxide. Furthermore, the set ofcurrent conditions in the storage area 54 can include an operatingcondition of one or more components of the system 10, such as theultraviolet radiation source(s) 12. Information regarding the operatingcondition can be used to, for example, notify a user 6 of a problemusing the alarm component 23, alter one or more aspects of an operatingconfiguration, and/or the like. Additionally, the set of currentconditions in the storage area 54 can include data corresponding to adose of ultraviolet radiation delivered by an ultraviolet radiationsource 12 during a predetermined time period. In this case, the computersystem 20 can dynamically determine when to turn off the ultravioletradiation source 12.

As described herein, aspects of the invention can be implemented totreat (e.g., preserve, disinfect, and/or the like) various types of foodstored in various types of environments. A typical environment cancomprise a refrigerated environment, in which food is frequently storedto extend the shelf life of the food. However, embodiments can beimplemented in other non-refrigerated environments, in which food isstored for a period of time, e.g., to ripen, prior to being used, and/orthe like. Furthermore, an embodiment can be implemented in conjunctionwith a freezer, in which the temperature is maintained well below thefreezing point of water. To this extent, the types of food items towhich aspects of the invention can be implemented can include varioustypes of food as described herein. As described herein, the foods caninclude various types of fruits and vegetables. However, the foods alsocan include frozen consumables, such as ice cubes, ice cream, and/or thelike. Furthermore, the foods can include liquids, grains, cereals,and/or the like. Additionally, as described herein, embodiments can beimplemented to treat non-food items stored in any type of environment.Such non-food items can include, for example, frozen/liquid chemicals,sand, wood, and/or the like. Regardless, it is understood that a treateditem can be ultraviolet transparent (e.g., semi-transparent),ultraviolet absorbing, and/or ultraviolet reflective.

While shown and described herein as a method and system for managing astorage area, it is understood that aspects of the invention furtherprovide various alternative embodiments. For example, in one embodiment,the invention provides a computer program fixed in at least onecomputer-readable medium, which when executed, enables a computer systemto manage the storage area using a process described herein. To thisextent, the computer-readable medium includes program code, such as theanalysis program 30 (FIG. 1), which enables a computer system toimplement some or all of a process described herein. It is understoodthat the term “computer-readable medium” comprises one or more of anytype of tangible medium of expression, now known or later developed,from which a copy of the program code can be perceived, reproduced, orotherwise communicated by a computing device. For example, thecomputer-readable medium can comprise: one or more portable storagearticles of manufacture; one or more memory/storage components of acomputing device; paper; and/or the like.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of providing acopy of program code, such as the analysis program 30 (FIG. 1), whichenables a computer system to implement some or all of a processdescribed herein. In this case, a computer system can process a copy ofthe program code to generate and transmit, for reception at a second,distinct location, a set of data signals that has one or more of itscharacteristics set and/or changed in such a manner as to encode a copyof the program code in the set of data signals. Similarly, an embodimentof the invention provides a method of acquiring a copy of the programcode, which includes a computer system receiving the set of data signalsdescribed herein, and translating the set of data signals into a copy ofthe computer program fixed in at least one computer-readable medium. Ineither case, the set of data signals can be transmitted/received usingany type of communications link.

In still another embodiment, the invention provides a method ofgenerating a system for managing the storage area. In this case, thegenerating can include configuring a computer system, such as thecomputer system 20 (FIG. 1), to implement a method of managing thestorage area as described herein. The configuring can include obtaining(e.g., creating, maintaining, purchasing, modifying, using, makingavailable, etc.) one or more hardware components, with or without one ormore software modules, and setting up the components and/or modules toimplement a process described herein. To this extent, the configuringcan include deploying one or more components to the computer system,which can comprise one or more of: (1) installing program code on acomputing device; (2) adding one or more computing and/or I/O devices tothe computer system; (3) incorporating and/or modifying the computersystem to enable it to perform a process described herein; and/or thelike.

The foregoing description of various aspects of the invention has beenpresented for purposes of illustration and description. It is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formdisclosed, and obviously, many modifications and variations arepossible. Such modifications and variations that may be apparent to anindividual in the art are included within the scope of the invention asdefined by the accompanying claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: a set of ultravioletradiation sources configured to generate ultraviolet radiation directedwithin a storage area; and a monitoring and control system for managingthe storage area by performing a method comprising: enabling selectionof each of a plurality of selectable operating configurations, theplurality of selectable operating configurations including: a virusdestruction operating configuration, a bacteria disinfection operatingconfiguration, and a condition monitoring operating configuration,wherein each operating configuration includes a unique combination of atarget wavelength, a target intensity range, and a target pattern forthe ultraviolet radiation; monitoring a set of current conditions of atleast one of: the storage area or a set of items located in the storagearea, wherein the set of current conditions includes a visual appearanceof the at least one of: the storage area or the set of items located inthe storage area; and controlling ultraviolet radiation generated by theset of ultraviolet radiation sources using a selected one of theplurality of selectable operating configurations and the set of currentconditions.
 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least oneof: a visual camera or a chemical sensor for acquiring data used inmonitoring the set of current conditions.
 3. The system of claim 1,wherein a target intensity range of the ultraviolet radiation in thecondition monitoring operating configuration is lower than both: atarget intensity range of the ultraviolet radiation in the virusdestruction operating configuration and a target intensity range of theultraviolet radiation in the bacteria disinfection operatingconfiguration.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the target intensityrange of the virus destruction operating configuration is higher thanthe target intensity range of the ultraviolet radiation in the bacteriadisinfection operating configuration.
 5. The system of claim 1, whereinthe set of ultraviolet radiation sources includes a first ultravioletradiation source and a second ultraviolet radiation source configured toemit ultraviolet radiation of different peak wavelengths.
 6. The systemof claim 5, wherein the monitoring and control system is configured toindependently control the first ultraviolet radiation source and thesecond ultraviolet radiation source.
 7. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising an ultraviolet radiation detector configured to detect alevel of ultraviolet radiation within the storage area, wherein themonitoring and control system processes data corresponding to the levelof ultraviolet radiation to determine a presence of at least one of:bacteria or a virus.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein at least oneultraviolet radiation source in the set of ultraviolet radiation sourcesis configured to generate ultraviolet radiation to excite afluorescence, wherein the monitoring and control system processes datacorresponding to a level of fluorescence to determine a presence of atleast one of: bacteria or microorganisms.
 9. The system of claim 1,further comprising a catalyst located within the storage area configuredto enhance a suppression of biological activity.
 10. A storage devicecomprising: a storage area configured to store at least one item; a setof ultraviolet radiation sources configured to generate ultravioletradiation directed within the storage area; and a monitoring and controlsystem for managing the storage area by performing a method comprising:enabling selection of each of a plurality of selectable operatingconfigurations, the plurality of selectable operating configurationsincluding: a virus destruction operating configuration, a bacteriadisinfection operating configuration, and a condition monitoringoperating configuration, wherein each operating configuration includes aunique combination of a target wavelength, a target intensity range, anda target pattern for the ultraviolet radiation; monitoring a set ofcurrent conditions of at least one of: the storage area or a set ofitems located in the storage area, wherein the set of current conditionsincludes a visual appearance of at least one of: the storage area or theset of items located in the storage area; and controlling ultravioletradiation generated by the set of ultraviolet radiation sources using aselected one of the plurality of selectable operating configurations andthe set of current conditions.
 11. The storage device of claim 10,further comprising at least one of: a visual camera or a chemical sensorfor acquiring data used in monitoring the set of current conditions. 12.The storage device of claim 10, wherein the set of current conditionsfurther includes: a presence of biological activity, a location of thebiological activity, a determination of a type of the biologicalactivity, and a concentration of the biological activity.
 13. Thestorage device of claim 10, wherein the monitoring further includesanalyzing the set of current conditions over a period of time, such thatthe set of current conditions includes an estimated amount of time anorganism has been in a growth phase, a growth rate of biologicalactivity, and a rate with which an area including the biologicalactivity is spreading.
 14. The storage device of claim 10, furthercomprising a set of ultraviolet radiation detectors configured to detecta level of ultraviolet radiation within the storage area, wherein themonitoring and control system processes data corresponding to the levelof ultraviolet radiation to determine a presence of at least one of:bacteria or a virus.
 15. The storage device of claim 14, wherein the setof ultraviolet radiation detector includes at least one ultravioletphotodiode and the set of ultraviolet radiation sources includes atleast one ultraviolet light emitting diode.
 16. The storage device ofclaim 10, wherein at least one ultraviolet radiation source in the setof ultraviolet radiation sources is configured to generate ultravioletradiation to excite a fluorescence, wherein the monitoring and controlsystem processes data corresponding to a level of fluorescence todetermine a presence of at least one of: bacteria or microorganisms. 17.The storage device of claim 10, further comprising a catalyst locatedwithin the storage area configured to enhance a suppression ofbiological activity.
 18. A refrigeration device comprising: a storagearea configured to store at least one refrigerated item; a componentconfigured to control at least one environmental condition of thestorage area, wherein the at least one environmental condition includesat least one of: a temperature, a humidity, a gas convection, or a fluidconvection; a set of ultraviolet radiation sources configured togenerate ultraviolet radiation directed within the storage area; and amonitoring and control system for managing the storage area byperforming a method comprising: enabling selection of each of aplurality of selectable operating configurations, the plurality ofselectable operating configurations including: a virus destructionoperating configuration, a bacteria disinfection operatingconfiguration, and a condition monitoring operating configuration,wherein each operating configuration includes a unique combination of atarget wavelength, a target intensity range, and a target pattern forthe ultraviolet radiation; monitoring a set of current conditions of atleast one of: the storage area or a set of items located in the storagearea, wherein the set of current conditions includes a change in visualappearance of at least one of: the storage area or the set of itemslocated in the storage area; and controlling ultraviolet radiationgenerated by the set of ultraviolet radiation sources using a selectedone of the plurality of selectable operating configurations and the setof current conditions.
 19. The refrigeration device of claim 18, furthercomprising a set of ultraviolet radiation detectors configured to detecta level of ultraviolet radiation within the storage area, wherein themonitoring and control system processes data corresponding to the levelof ultraviolet radiation to determine a presence of at least one of:bacteria or a virus.
 20. The refrigeration device of claim 18, whereinat least one ultraviolet radiation source in the set of ultravioletradiation sources is configured to generate ultraviolet radiation toexcite a fluorescence, wherein the monitoring and control systemprocesses data corresponding to a level of fluorescence to determine apresence of at least one of: bacteria or microorganisms.